Here’s a note from my good friend, Thomas Dayspring, M.D., written for physicians (but, others are welcome to look on). Tom is one of the world’s most respected lipidologists (doctors who specializes in cholesterol problems):

MedPage is reporting that a secret test nabbed three riders for using a banned new form of erythropoietin. The drug is CERA (Mircera), a pegylated EPO developed by Roche that reached the European market earlier this year. It was approved by the FDA last November, but U.S. distribution has been stalled by a patent dispute with Amgen, another firm that markets EPO. 

My Take?

LifeNews.com is reporting that evangelical pro-life leader Dr. James Dobson may be prepared to change his position and endorse John McCain for president. Dobson has previously expressed a reluctance to support the Arizona senator over his pro-abortion rival Barack Obama but Dobson said that may change.

My Take?

Reuters and a number of other news agencies are reporting that the cholesterol fighter Vytorin s failed to meet the main goal of a study. They are also reporting that it is causing cancer. Are they telling you the truth?

My Take?

Reuters is reporting that a new rule requiring New York chain restaurants to post calorie information on their menus took effect on Friday, marking a first for a U.S. city. The move follows the city’s 2003 ban on public smoking and a ban on artery-clogging trans fats that began on July 1.

My Take?

The Associated Press is reporting that Singapore is considering legalizing kidney trading to help meet demand for kidney transplants, the city-state’s health minister said Monday.

My Take?

CNN Health has a nice article on the steps you can take to lower the chances you’ll be the victim of a surgical error.

My Take?

LifeSiteNews.com is reporting that Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed a lawsuit Monday on behalf of a licensed counselor who was fired after referring a person seeking counsel with a same-sex relationship to a colleague. Rather than attempt to provide a service that would conflict with her sincerely-held religious beliefs on homosexual behavior, Marcia Walden referred her to another counselor; however, the counselee later filed a complaint that ultimately cost Walden her job.

My Take?

LifeNews.com reports that Sen. John McCain told an audience there that he is “proud” to be pro-life and defended his pro-life voting record. “I am proud of my record of protecting and advocating the rights of the unborn,” he said to strong applause from the audience. “I believe this is also an important issue.”

My Take?

Reuters Health is reporting new research showing that a regimen of supplements and lifestyle coaching is just as effective as a statin medication for reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “lethal” cholesterol. Not only that, the combination was shown to be more effective in helping people lose weight.

My Take?

LifeNews.com is reporting that Planned Parenthood is attacking a Bush administration plan to help pro-life doctors. The tentative rule would ensure pro-life physicians, nurses and other medical personnel don’t face hiring discrimination if they refuse to be involved in abortions.

My Take?

MedPage is reporting a systematic Cochrane review concluding that breast self-examination does not reduce breast cancer mortality and may cause harm by prompting unnecessary biopsies. This recommendation is based upon studies that include almost 400,000 women.

My Take?